Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College (BTAC) is a co-educational, independent school, catering for Preschool to Year 12. The school welcomes all Australian Defence Force (ADF) families and offers a dedicated team of educators and support personnel to sensitively nurture children through the transition of relocation.
The College is located in Fletcher, an outer suburb of Newcastle, centrally located in the Hunter Region, and set within stunning grounds of natural bushland and wide-open spaces. Ideally positioned to welcome ADF families who have been posted to Williamtown or Singleton bases, BTAC provides an extensive bus service to transport children to and from the College.
The College is founded on a belief in educating the whole child, developing curious and self-confident life-long learners within an Anglican Ethos, and is highly regarded. BTAC is well known for its globally innovative and future focused education, developed within the world acclaimed Deep Learning Curriculum Framework. This framework is based on developing skills for future life including communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and being of good character as an engaged citizen in a rapidly changing world.
Students at BTAC strive for academic excellence and enjoy exceptional facilities that encourage performance and participation. There are state-of-the-art iSTEM laboratories, industrial kitchens, and a fully operational café for those studying the Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses that are offered. BTAC consistently produces graduates of outstanding character who aspire to make a positive difference in the world as creative thinkers and lifelong learners.
A well-rounded, resilient individual is formed through a variety of experiences, and at BTAC there is an extensive co-curricular program designed to provide options encouraging participation for every child. Students traditionally excel in Chess, Debating, Music, Sport, Drama, and Public Speaking. For all grades, there is an outdoor experiential program where students are challenged in a natural environment through safe adventure, fostering both a healthy self-reliance and self-denial to serve others.
The College community firmly believes that all students are entitled to a safe and supportive school environment, with the provision of autonomy to develop socially, emotionally, academically, spiritually, and physically as positive contributors to the community. The College’s Pastoral Care Program encompasses Chaplaincy Services, Student Wellbeing initiatives, a full time Psychologist, and a dedicated Defence Transition Aid. The Care and Wellbeing Program holistically establishes a safe and nurturing environment that builds resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of community for every child.
Lauren Carlson, experienced teacher, and Defence Transition Aid, is married to a Sergeant in the Air Force, and has been posted between Williamtown and Tindal twice. With two children of her own who also attend BTAC, Lauren understands the difficulties facing Defence children when transitioning between schools, states and educational systems, and is able to understand and address these from both a parent and a teacher perspective.
‘’Having lived the unique Defence life for over 15 years, I look forward to supporting ADF children through postings, deployments, and ensuring smooth transitions and pastoral care. My role includes communicating to teachers when a Defence student might need some extra assistance, and I will regularly check in with your child to ensure they are feeling comfortable and well-supported at school. I am available at any time to support Defence students and families according to their individual needs.’’
The school offers personalised college tours. Simply book online at https://www.btac.nsw.edu.au/enrol/book-a-personal-tour.
